In the fast-paced world of social media, standing out isn't just about posting content—it's about...
5 Ways to Add Personality to Your Instagram Marketing
Let’s be real—Instagram isn’t just about perfectly filtered photos anymore. People hop on the app for five main reasons: to be entertained, inspired, educated, to join in on conversations, and to feel connected. So, how do you stand out in the middle of all that scrolling? By bringing some personality to your feed! Your brand is what makes your brand memorable, so showing up authentically can take your Instagram marketing to the next level.
Whether you’re sharing stories, creating posts, or jumping into DMs, infusing your brand voice and personality makes your content not just another post in the endless scroll but something people actually want to engage with. In this post, we’re diving into five fun and easy ways to add your unique spark to your Instagram marketing, so your audience doesn’t just follow—they stick around for the long haul, and maybe even convert to loyal customers.
1. Posts That Entertain
Let’s face it—everyone loves a good laugh, and Instagram is where people go to find it. Adding some entertaining content to your feed is a great way to grab attention and keep your followers coming back for more.
- Jokes & Memes: Memes are basically the love language of the internet. Share something that makes your audience laugh or hit them with a relatable joke that has them nodding their heads. Whether it’s a trending meme or one you create yourself, humor is a perfect way to show your playful side.
- Viral Videos: Instagram Reels is where the magic happens. Jump on a viral challenge, do a lip-sync that makes people smile, or share a skit that’s totally on-brand. The algorithm loves video, and your followers love to be entertained, so it’s a win-win.
- Fun Holidays: There’s literally a holiday for everything now. National Donut Day? Yes, please. Talk Like a Pirate Day? Why not! Hop on these quirky celebrations with posts that have a fun twist. It’s an easy way to keep your content light, engaging, and relevant.
- Comics & Puzzles: If your brand has a creative side, comics or visual stories are a super unique way to entertain your audience. Or throw in a puzzle, quiz, or brain teaser that gets them thinking—playful, engaging content that’s a little different can make you stand out in the feed.
- Contests & Giveaways: Who doesn’t love free stuff? Hosting a fun contest or giveaway not only entertains but also boosts engagement and grows your reach. Make it exciting with photo challenges, trivia, or something unexpected to get people hyped to participate.
Pro Tip: Keep the fun coming, but make sure it matches your brand’s vibe. Whether you’re going for quirky, witty, or just straight-up fun, make your entertaining content something your followers can’t wait to see more of.
2. Posts That Inspire
Sometimes, we all need a little inspiration, and Instagram is where people go to find it. Whether it’s an uplifting quote, a personal story that hits home, or a fact that sparks a new idea, inspiring content can make your audience feel more connected to your brand on a deeper level.
- Quotes: We all love a good quote, especially when it speaks to something we’re going through. Share quotes that align with your brand’s message—whether they’re motivational, empowering, or just plain feel-good. Bonus points if you pair them with an aesthetic background that makes people want to hit that “save” button
- Facts: Dropping knowledge bombs can be just as inspiring as a heartfelt story. Share surprising or motivational facts that educate your audience and inspire them to think differently. Whether it’s a statistic about your industry or an inspiring historical tidbit, facts that make people stop and think are always a win.
- Personal Success Stories: People love a good story, especially one that’s relatable and real. Share your journey, your wins (and even your struggles), or highlight the success stories of your customers or community. Showing the human side of your brand can inspire your audience to keep pushing towards their own goals.
Pro Tip: Keep it authentic. Inspirational content hits harder when it feels real and genuine. Share the things that light you up, and your audience will feel it too.
3. Posts That Educate
People love to learn, and Instagram is a prime spot for picking up new tips and tricks. By sharing educational content, you not only provide value but also position yourself as an expert in your field. Whether you’re dropping knowledge or breaking down complex topics, educational posts keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
- Informative Posts: Got some wisdom to share? Break it down for your audience in easy-to-digest posts. Whether it’s a mini-explainer, myth-busting content, or a quick guide, informative posts can help your followers understand your industry better and see you as a go-to resource.
- Tips & Tricks: Who doesn’t love a good hack? Share your top tips and tricks that make life easier for your followers. Whether it’s a productivity hack, an industry secret, or a “why didn’t I know this sooner?” moment, these bite-sized gems are pure gold for engagement.
- Industry Research: Stay ahead of the game by sharing relevant research and trends in your industry. Simplify the data into relatable insights that your audience can actually use. Think infographics, carousels, or a quick breakdown of what’s happening and why it matters to them.
- Case Studies: Case studies are like proof in action. Share real-life examples of how your products or services have made a difference. Walk your audience through the challenges, solutions, and results to show the tangible impact you can have.
- Live Video Trainings: Sometimes, the best way to teach is face-to-face (or screen-to-screen). Go live to share in-depth knowledge, give tutorials, or do Q&A sessions where you can answer questions in real-time. It’s a great way to build trust and connect with your audience on a more personal level.
Pro Tip: Keep it practical and to the point. Educational content should feel valuable without overwhelming your audience—make it something they can take away and use immediately.
4. Posts That Start Conversations
Instagram isn’t just about likes and follows—it’s about building a community. And that means getting people talking! Conversation-starting posts are key to sparking interaction, boosting engagement, and turning your followers into friends. The goal? Get them to chime in, share their thoughts, and keep the convo going.
- Questions: Sometimes, all it takes is a good question to get the ball rolling. Ask your followers something thought-provoking, funny, or relatable. Whether it’s an opinion on a hot topic or a simple “What’s your favorite…?” question, people love to share their two cents.
- Fill in the Blanks: Give your followers a prompt and let them fill in the blanks. This can be as playful or serious as you like, from “My perfect Sunday is _______” to “If I had one superpower, it would be _______.” These are super easy ways to get your audience to engage with your content in a fun way.
- Caption the Photo: Got a great photo or meme? Let your followers get creative with it! Ask them to come up with the funniest, wittiest, or most clever caption. Not only does this encourage interaction, but it’s also a great way to showcase your community’s creativity and humor.
- Polls: Instagram Stories polls are a quick and easy way to spark engagement. Ask your audience for their opinions, preferences, or even to help you make decisions. It’s interactive, simple, and makes your followers feel like they’re part of the process.
Pro Tip: The key to conversational posts? Keep it casual and make it easy for your followers to respond. The simpler the prompt, the more likely they are to jump in and share their thoughts!
5. Posts That Build Connection
Let’s be real—Instagram isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about making real connections. People want to know the faces and stories behind the brand, not just the products. By giving your audience a peek behind the curtain, you can build trust, loyalty, and that all-important personal connection.
- Behind the Scenes: Show your followers what goes on behind the scenes! Whether it’s a day in the life at your business, how your products are made, or even a sneak peek at an upcoming launch, this kind of content makes your brand feel more authentic and approachable. People love seeing the real, unpolished side of things.
- Product Reviews: Social proof is powerful. Sharing product reviews or testimonials—whether from happy customers, influencers, or your own team—helps build trust and showcases your product or service in action. It’s even better if you can do this in a fun, creative way, like unboxing videos or before-and-afters.
- Employee or Customer Features: Shine a spotlight on the people who make your brand what it is. Whether it’s introducing your team members with fun facts or featuring customer stories, these posts make your brand feel more personal and relatable. Plus, it shows that you appreciate the people who support you.
Pro Tip: Connection-building posts should be heartfelt and genuine. The more real you get, the stronger the bond you’ll build with your audience. It’s all about making your followers feel like they’re part of your story.
6. Posts That Promote Your Business
Alright, let’s not forget—you’re here to grow your business too! But here’s the deal: promotional posts are only part of the picture. The magic formula? About **80%** of your content should focus on entertaining, inspiring, educating, and building connections. That leaves **20%** of your posts to promote sales, new products, or special offers in a way that’s still engaging.
- Product & Service Highlights: Showcase your latest products or services in a way that gets your audience excited. Whether it’s a sneak peek, a demo, or highlighting unique features, these posts are your chance to shine.
- Customer Testimonials: Let your happy customers do the talking. Sharing real feedback and testimonials builds trust and credibility, showing potential buyers that your product or service delivers results.
- Sales & Discount Codes: Everyone loves a good deal. Use your platform to promote limited-time sales or share exclusive discount codes with your followers. Make them feel like they’re getting something special just for being part of your community.
- Webinars & Events: If you’re hosting a webinar, live event, or any kind of workshop, Instagram is the perfect place to get the word out. Promote these events to build excitement and drive sign-ups while showcasing your expertise.
Pro Tip: Balance is everything. If your feed is nothing but promotional posts, your audience might tune out. But when you mix in valuable content and just the right amount of promotion, your followers are more likely to stick around—and convert into loyal customers.
Wrapping It Up
Adding personality to your Instagram marketing is all about finding the right balance. Focus on creating content that entertains, inspires, educates, sparks conversation, and builds real connections with your audience. That’s your 80%. Then, sprinkle in that final 20% with smart, engaging promotional posts that highlight your products, share testimonials, and offer exclusive deals.
Remember, social media is about more than just selling—it’s about building relationships and creating a community around your brand. When you strike that balance, you’ll not only grow your following but also turn your audience into loyal fans who are excited to see what you’ll post next.
Need a hand crafting the perfect Instagram strategy for your brand? Contact us today for expert help and start transforming your social media presence into something amazing. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help!